2012 Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs 7-Round Predictions

The 2012 NFL Draft is fewer than three weeks away. Fans continue to wonder who their teams will take as mock drafts continue to change from time-to-time.

In this slideshow, I will give my updated seven-round mock draft for the Chiefs and compare it to my previous mock draft from February 12. After Scott Pioli made a couple of key acquisitions through free agency, you can expect some changes from my last mock draft.

As always, let me know what you think about these players and whether or not you agree.

However, that does not mean the Chiefs have to avoid selecting an offensive player with the 11th pick. Although Pioli has a history of trading down in the draft, it would be hard to imagine Pioli passing up on offensive guard David DeCastro.

Rebuilding the offensive line is probably what quarterback Matt Cassel needs in order to have a season similar to 2010, where he threw for 27 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. The Chiefs have a couple of key players returning and signed some tools for Cassel to work with.

They can hit the jackpot on offense by taking DeCastro. This gives the Chiefs offense a great chance of moving the chains and improving in many categories.

Round 2, 44th Pick: Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

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Previous pick: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

David Wilson is probably not off Kansas City's board completely, but with the addition of running back Peyton Hillis, it is in Kansas City's best interest to spend its resources on another position. Would cornerback be a good idea?

A lot of fans will agree that the Chiefs should select a defensive player, but many will probably set their eyes on a nose tackle, which is a viable option. But let's not forget, even though the Chiefs have two great corners in Brandon Flowers and Stanford Routt and a young cornerback in Javier Arenas, defenses could use a lot of bodies at the cornerback position in the NFL today.

In a pass-heavy league, teams are probably going to build a team where they have more than two key cornerbacks.

Romeo Crennel's defense was successful in 2011 in holding opposing teams to 20 points or fewer 10 times. In the final six games of the season, the Chiefs held their opponents to 14.3 points per game on average. The Chiefs went 3-3 during that stretch with a struggling offense and can do better if the team stays healthy.

If the Chiefs take Fleming, their defense can come away with many stops and possibly create turnovers and give their offense good field position.

Round 3, 74th Pick: Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

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Previous pick: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

The Chiefs need to still consider a safety at some point this offseason, whether it is through the draft or in free agency. With Kendrick Lewis being the only safety playing in all 16 games, the Chiefs' only other reliable safety coming back is Eric Berry.

Kansas City could go back to working on its offense and give Cassel more players to work with.

Nick Toon out of Wisconsin does not have great speed, but he might be a player the Chiefs could use on third down. This gives the Chiefs something to work with behind wide receivers Dwayne Bowe, Jonathan Baldwin and Steve Breaston.

With another pass-catcher on the team, Cassel has another candid receiver to look for in situations where the Chiefs have four or five receivers.

Round 4, 104th Pick: Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M

At this point in the draft, teams realize most of the players who have the potential to start are off the board, and this is a chance for them to build depth.

With running backs Jamaal Charles and Hillis both missing 20 games combined last season, the Chiefs could use some help to make sure they remain fresh and healthy. Dexter McCluster will handle some of the rushing duties as he has proven that he can carry the pigskin in the NFL.

The Chiefs can also look to Cyrus Gray from Texas A&M, as it appears that Jackie Battle and Thomas Jones will not be returning to Kansas City this year.

Round 5, 146th Pick: Jerry Franklin, ILB, Arkansas

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Previous pick: Jerry Franklin, ILB, Arkansas

The Chiefs have a strong group of linebackers entering the 2012 season. Outside linebackers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston combined for 17.5 sacks while Derrick Johnson led the defense and was the only Chief with more than 100 tackles.

Jerry Franklin comes from a good football program and can learn a lot under Crennel. If Franklin's number is called, provided that he plays for the Chiefs, he can develop under an accomplished defensive coach in Crennel and perhaps establish a good career while playing for him.